An innovative and Māori-led business in the agrifood sector, Kāuta has a goal to help elevate small businesses and producers and create meaningful connections with food.
Funded by Rewi Spraggon (Ngāti Hine, Te Waiohua, Te Kawerau a Māki, Ngāti Maniapoto) and Grant Kitchen (Tūwharetoa-Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Pukehou), the one-stop search engine for all Māori-led kai (food) businesses across all the country are gearing up to launch phase one of their unique platform.
“Our ethos is to create and build connections while encouraging partnerships and innovation. Ultimately, we want to make it easier for marae, chefs and restaurants to source good food locally, simultaneously connecting users to the makers,” Kitchen said.
Kāuta is free to use for both customer and supplier, offering an easy and intuitive search engine for anyone looking for kai in just a few clicks. Users can filter search results by a physical store that you can visit or by suppliers which have an online store that you can purchase for delivery.
The Manawatū-based business has three core values, which enables registrations from all verified Māori businesses. They are: Manaakitanga (hospitality) – to support and celebrate Māori food and beverage suppliers; Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection) – business practices and ethics are kaupapa driven and align to the Māori world view of sustainability; and Kotahitanga (unity) – supporting the movement towards kai motuhake (food sovereignty) for Aotearoa.
Kat Wade, Māori business growth advisor at the Central Economic Development Agency, says Kāuta aligns well in achieving the ‘big goals’ for the region.
“Kāuta are a culturally innovative business who fit well into the region’s strong agrifood sector. Their work not just on business innovation, but also on sustainability aligns them well with the region’s vision to be a world-leading agrifood hub,” Wade said.
Manawatū is widely known as the epicentre for agrifood innovation and was the first region in Aotearoa to develop an agritech strategy. This also aligns with Kāuta’s vision to encourage a strong and sustainable Māori supply chain, where farmers and producers are recognised for their mahi (work) by a lasting and sustainable demand for their goods. Where the customs and heritage of Aotearoa stand proudly on the world stage alongside other great culinary nations, and where the youth are inspired to follow this path that their ancestors have carved.
Future-proofed to support Māori tourism, events, catering and marae papakāinga, Kāuta are keen to take their platform nationally and are encouraging businesses to get on board for phase one of their launch.
If you’re a Māori-verified business in the food and beverage sector, or restaurant looking for an innovative way to connect to new customers, you can register at https://kauta.co.nz/register/
